He came down with them and stood on a level place with a great crowd of his disciples and a great multitude of people from all Judea, Jerusalem, and the coast of Tyre and Sidon. They had come to hear him and to be healed of their diseases, and those who were troubled with unclean spirits were cured. And everyone in the crowd was trying to touch him, for power came out from him and healed all of them.
– Luke 6: 17-19
A great crowd of people was in need of teaching and healing and soothing. A great crowd of people knew in that moment where to look for their salvation, and they pressed in close to Jesus.
We are a great crowd of people, and we are in desperate need of teaching, healing, and soothing.
We know where to look for our salvation. Having said that, the urge to reach for the wrong thing to achieve these purposes is a constant companion. The lowest bar, the easiest option, the most effective distraction – it is a very human thing to be swayed by.
This is why we have practices. Spiritual practices, including the basic one of weekly church attendance, keep our feet on the ground and keep us aiming in the right direction. Habits of prayer form us into people God can use. Community, accountability, responsibility for others all shape us into God’s people.
May we keep our eyes on Jesus, and may we be taught, healed and soothed so that we can go into the hurting world to teach, heal and soothe. As we have been loved, may we love. Thanks be to God.
Prayer: God, we are in need. Draw us close to you and help us keep our focus on you, the source of all love and healing power. We thank you for all you have done and all you will do in our lives. Please help us to be extravagantly generous with your love. Amen.
Lindy Thompson 